A Day In Stavanger In Norway

An Unexpected Day In Stavanger In Norway

We got an unexpected day in Stavanger in Norway when the itinerary was changed on our Northern Lights cruise with Viking Cruises. There was a conflict in timing so we could only choose to do the included Viking city tour or a longer paid fjord cruise excursion. In the end we decided that a fjord cruise would be a fun adventure. And when the day turned mild and sunny, we knew we made the perfect choice. 

We enjoyed the sights along the fjords. And had great stops on the Lysefjorden at Vagabond’s Cave (or Fantahola), Pulpit Rock (or Preikestolen) and the Hengjanefossen waterfall.

During our fjord cruise we learned a bit about the town of Stavanger. And when we returned, we had time for a short wander in town.  And then we saw the night sky light up with a laser display. We were very happy with the addition of Stavanger to this trip.

Heading Out On Our Fjord Cruise

We arrived very late at night in Stavanger but did not get off the ship until the next morning. We joined our group and waited to board the electric-powered catamaran. It looked like a large group but the catamaran had lots of inside and outside space for all. We found a spot on the upper deck under cover for the trip.

As we cruised out of the inner harbour, our tour guide talked a little about Stavanger. It was the fourth largest city in Norway. She started by thanking us for the nice weather. Apparently Stavanger had about 200 days of rain per year and the sunny blue sky day we got was quite unusual.

We learned that Stavanger was first known for herring fish canning and then later for North Sea oil. We cruised out past many of the local sights. And the colourful houses on the small island in the harbour delighted us. Cruising under the bridge we left the harbour behind.

We were happy to be out cruising on the fjords on our day in Stavanger in Norway.

Sights Along The Fjords

It was lovely to stand on deck and watch the Hogsfjorden scenery go by. The short hills made way to more steep cliff sides as we travelled.

We passed large salmon hatcheries but never saw salmon jumping. In one spot we saw a unique salmon farming operation with closed tops that did not let the salmon jump.

Our guide talked about the vacation homes on small islets and in the green valleys. We learned that Norwegians loved to own small cabins and boats too.

At one point RHIB boats tour zoomed quickly past. That would have been a faster and maybe more exciting adventure to explore the fjords. But not something we wanted in the cold winter air. We were very happy with our catamaran tour on this day in Stavanger in Norway.

Nordic Pancakes On A Day In Stavanger In Norway

When we turned into the Lysefjorden, the captain docked the boat at the Lysefjordsenteret Restaurant. We had a short stop here for local Norwegian pancakes with cream and jam. David had developed a taste for the brown Norwegian cheese. When he inquired, they provided him with a good selection to have with his pancakes.

We enjoyed a tasty local stop on our day in Stavanger in Norway.

Heading Up The Lysefjorden

Leaving the restaurant, we went under the Lysefjord suspension bridge and headed deep into the Lysefjorden. Lysefjorden meant “light fjord” for the lightly coloured granite mountains along the side of the fjord. Colourful houses sat on the rocks on the side of the fjord.  

Our first stop on the Lysefjorden was the Vagabond’s Cave (or Fantahola). Historically, vagabonds and other travellers sought refuge here to avoid the authorities. We looked up at the steep fissure walls all around us before we backed out again.

The next stop was the primary destination for this Lysefjorden cruise. Up 603 metres (2000 feet) we saw the Pulpit Rock (or Preikestolen). This rock outcropping was formed more than 10,000 years ago and it was the most iconic natural landmark in Norway. The rock formation was a popular spot for hikers coming in from the top. High above we just made out a few people. 

A stop at the Hengjanefossen waterfall topped off the major sights we saw as we cruised along the Lysefjord. We were delighted when we caught a rainbow on the falls.

We slowly cruised back along the Lysefjorden and admired the beautiful scenery in the fjord on this beautiful sunny day. It was a perfect way to enjoy our day in Stavanger in Norway.

Wandering In Town

By the time we got into town, the interesting museums in town were all closed. We missed seeing the Canning Museum, Petroleum Museum, Art Museum and the Maritime museums on this visit. We were sure we would have learned much more about Stavanger with a museum visit or two.

Close by the ship, we walked in the oldest part of the city and found the typical white-painted wooden houses in Gamle Stavanger.

When we visited St. John’s in Newfoundland back in Canada, we could not miss the colourful “jelly bean houses”. So in Stavanger, we looked for the street painted in all the colours of the rainbow (Øvre Holmegate). It was referred to as “Fargegata” (the colour street) by the locals for a reason! But it was after dark and we never found this interesting part of old town.

While we did not find the colourful houses, we definitely found colourful and varied art in the street. And some local historical statues too.

It was great to have a little time to wander the streets on our day in Stavanger in Norway. Our cruise ship left Stavanger late at night. So we got one last look at the brightly lit town.  And the laser beams that shot high in the sky.

A Fun Day In Stavanger In Norway

We were happy that Stavanger was added to our Norway cruise for Northern Lights. We enjoyed a beautiful day as we cruised along the fjords and then explored a little of the town. But one day was not enough to see it all for sure.

From Stavanger we headed back into the North Sea to finish our cruise.

Did you visit for a day in Stavanger in Norway?  What did you enjoy the most?

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